“Winter is a great time to explore Lower Howard’s Creek without its usual cover of vegetation blocking our views of its unique topography,” Sipple said in a news release. “It’s an opportunity to visit areas not usually seen in the other three seasons of the year, and heat is not an issue.”

All hikes will begin at 10 a.m. at the main entrance on Athens-Boonesboro Road unless otherwise noted.

— Feb. 4: Dust off your hiking boots and come hike with Dr. Bill Crankshaw, 91 years young and the Preserve’s most active volunteer.

— Feb. 18: The Preserve’s manager, Clare Sipple, will be leading this hike, and will take visitors to some of her favorite out-of-the-way places within the Preserve.

— March 4: In like a lion or a lamb, the days are getting longer now and we will explore old homesteads looking for signs of spring. Dr. Crankshaw will lead this hike.

— March 18: A few ephemeral early wildflowers may be showing themselves on this hike. Clare Sipple will lead this hike.